This page highlights any new developments with the NPMS.
Last Updated:
2/15/2018

Date

Title

Announcement

2018/02

High Population Area and Other Population Area Data Updated

New High Population Area (HPA) and Other Population Area (OPA) datasets are now available for download from the Population Data page.

2018/02

2018 Operator Webinar Presentation Now Available

A webinar presentation is now available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZjXWA8oNio&feature=youtu.be.
This webinar is for gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipeline operators who are required to make annual submissions to the National Pipeline Mapping System (per 49 CFR 191.29 or 49 CFR 195.61).
It contains updated information about the NPMS that operators may wish to review before making their submissions.
The webinar has four chapters. If you wish to listen to certain chapters, the timestamp for the chapter is listed on the Pipeline Operator page (https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PipelineOperator.aspx).
Please contact NPMS staff at npms@dot.gov with any questions.

2017/01

PIMMA iPhone App

PHMSA has released an iPhone app for PIMMA (Pipeline Information Management Mapping Application). To download it, search for “pipeline information” on the App Store. You will need your PIMMA username and password to use the app. If you do not have a PIMMA username and password,
click here to apply. If you have forgotten your username or password,
click here to submit a request to receive it. The app is not compatible with Android or Blackberry devices.

2017/01

Public Viewer and OSAVE Instructional Videos

PHMSA has developed instructional videos for the new Public Viewer interface as well as OSAVE (Operator Submission And Validation Environment). The OSAVE videos address specific functions in OSAVE. You may view the videos at the links below.

To improve performance of the Public Viewer during times of high usage, the application has been moved to a new website address - https://pvnpms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/. Visitors to the original website address will be automatically re-routed to the new address.

2016/12

OSAVE Submission Tool Released

The Operator Submission And Validation Environment (OSAVE) tool has been released for use by pipeline operators.
OSAVE is a one-stop shop for operators to review existing pipeline, LNG plant and breakout tank data in a map viewer; review and update pipeline-related contact information; and fulfill the yearly pipeline submission requirement by submitting a notification of no changes or removal to NPMS staff, by marking requested edits via a map viewer, or by uploading a data submission.
For pipeline submissions OSAVE replaces the former method of FTP’ing and emailing NPMS staff. OSAVE also replaces the NPMS Data Reviewer map viewer. OSAVE requires a PIMMA login. If you do not already have a PIMMA login, please submit a request
through the online application. For details regarding OSAVE, please refer
to the Operator Submission Guide and the OSAVE User Guide.
For questions or concerns, please contact NPMS staff at npms@dot.gov.

2016/10

Public Viewer Updated

The Public Viewer was updated to reflect a new viewer layout and added functionality. This viewer now mimics the recently updated PIMMA map viewer. Ease of use related changes include a larger map window and incremental zooming. Pipelines for the selected county may now be queried based on several criteria and the results displayed as a new map layer in the viewer. Additionally, pipeline incidents (for gas transmission pipelines) and incidents (for hazardous liquid pipelines) may now be viewed and identified for the entire nation. For instructions on how to use the viewer, please visit the information located under the Help menu. For questions or concerns, please contact NPMS staff
at npms@dot.gov.

2016/04

PIMMA Map Viewer Updated

The Pipeline Information Management Mapping Application (PIMMA) map viewer was updated to improve usability and add functionality. The viewer now has a new layout and a larger map viewer. Users are now able to query pipelines based on a series of criteria; the results are saved as a new interactive layer in the Layer List. Users are now able to view and identify pipeline incidents (related to gas transmission pipelines) and accidents (related to hazardous liquid pipelines) for their jurisdiction. Additionally, users are able to query and identify historic pipeline information for their jurisdiction. For instructions on how to use the viewer, please visit the information located under the Help menu. For questions or concerns, please contact NPMS staff at
npms@dot.gov.

2016/03

NPMS FTP Upload Tool Updated

The NPMS FTP Upload Tool has been moved to a new server and, as a result, the website address has changed.
The NPMS FTP Upload Tool is now located at https://phmhqnwas071.phmsa.dot.gov/npmsftp/. Please contact npms@dot.gov if you have an questions or concerns.

The Pipeline Safety: Miscellaneous Changes to Pipeline Safety Regulations becomes effective October 1, 2015. This rule requires gas transmission and LNG plant operators to make their submission to the NPMS by March 15 every year. The rule requires hazardous liquid operators to make their submission to the NPMS by June 15 every year. Section 191.29 of the regulations manual pertains to gas transmission and LNG plant operators; Section 195.61 of the regulations manual pertains to the hazardous liquid operators. This rule supersedes the
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002.

2014/09

New NPMS Website Launches

The NPMS website has been redesigned for a better user experience.
The site has been reorganized and minor changes have been made to enhance the content. Please contact
npms@dot.gov if you have any questions or are experiencing any issues.

The Operator Submission Guide was written to assist the operator in preparing NPMS submissions while avoiding common mistakes that can delay submission processing.
It includes expanded definitions of terms and submission elements, clarification on requirements, and other notes that NPMS staff hope will make the process of preparing a submission more efficient and problem-free.
The Operator Submission Guide may be viewed via a web browser or saved as a PDF file to your local computer.

2012/10

Functionality Updates to PIMMA

Several changes have been made to PIMMA to enhance and ease the user’s experience. The changes include:

The options that highlight and zoom the map view to a particular geographic area (e.g., state, county, zipcode, latitude/longitude, street address) have been moved to a new button on the toolbar called Zoom To. This button is located next to the Zoom to Previous Extent button and looks like a magnifying glass over a polygon. The options that zoom or highlight particular pipelines, breakout tanks, or LNG plants remain under the View Pipelines By drop-down list.

The user now has the ability to highlight on the map both a Zoom To item and a View Pipelines By item. For instance you can now have a highlighted pipeline and a latitude/longitude star shown on the map.

To accommodate the enhancement of having multiple types of highlights on the screen, the Clear button has been changed to control what highlight the user would like to have cleared. You now have the option to clear just the View Pipelines By highlight, just the Zoom To highlight or have all the graphics cleared.

In the Map Results window for the Identify and Select with Drag Box tools, on the Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Gas Transmission Pipelines tabs, the user now has the ability to click on a row and have the corresponding feature in the map highlight for easier identification. Please note that since this highlight is tied to the Map Results window, when you close that window, the highlight disappears.

To aid in the creation of distributable products, the ability to add graphics to the map window has been added to the Create a Printable Map dialog. The user now has the ability to add text, squares and stars to the map. These graphics are retained in the PIMMA session until they are removed through the Create a Printable Map dialog or the Clear All option on the Clear button. These graphics will appear on the Create a Printable Map PDF.

2012/09

Data requests should now be submitted to NPMS Staff via a new online form

Data requests should now be submitted to NPMS Staff via a new online form (https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PipelineDataRequest/DataRequestForm.aspx).
The online form replaces the previous method of submitting an email directly to NPMS Staff.
The form collects contact information from the requestor and, in the case of pipeline operator and local government
requestors, the desired data type (pipelines, Liquefied Natural Gas plants,
breakout tanks) and data format (shapefile or personal geodatabase).
The requested data is now sent to the requestor via FTP; the requestor will receive an email from NPMS Staff when the
data is available for download.

2012/09

New Look for NPMS Submission FTP Upload Tool

The NPMS Submission FTP Upload Tool (https://phmhqnwas071.phmsa.dot.gov/npmsftp/) has been updated with a new look. The tool’s interface now includes more details on how to submit data. The recent update also includes the ability to submit up to 6 files at a time.

2012/08

Demonstration video for NPMS Public Map Viewer Released

A video demonstrating how to use the NPMS Public Map Viewer is now available on the NPMS website. This 8-minute, YouTube video is accessible via the yellow PUBLIC MAP VIEWER DEMO button on the homepage.

2012/08

Downloadable Populated Area Data Updated

The High Population Areas and Other Populated Areas GIS data sets on the NPMS website have been updated to reflect the 2010 Census.
This data may be downloaded from www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PopulationData.aspx.
Details about the data originally obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau and edits NPMS staff performed may be found in the Read Me link and in the
metadata included in the downloadable zip file.

In order to clarify the “who, what and when” questions related to the NPMS data submission process, the NPMS Operator Standards and the content of the Making a Submission website page have been updated. Please refer to the first page of the NPMS Operator Standard document for a summarized list of changes. Among the changes is an expanded description of how to notify NPMS staff of no changes to your NPMS data; a template for providing information to NPMS staff regarding abandoned lines which are offshore or cross a commercially navigable waterway; changes and additions to the content collected in the submission cover/transmittal letter; updated information about the geospatial submission requirement, including the acceptance of Esri geodatabases, a blank template for Esri shapefile and personal geodatabase submissions, and formatting changes related to the text/ASCII coordinate option. The content of the Making a Submission page was revamped to include more information about the submission process and to act as a quick reference guide for pipeline operators.

2011/03

New Release of Revised Review Tools

The NPMS Data Reviewer tool replaces the “Update Your Submission Online Tool.” The purpose of the tool is to permit
pipeline operators to review the data in the NPMS associated with their OPID. The operator uses his/her PIMMA username
and password to login. After reviewing the data, the operator may alert
NPMS staff that a new submission is needed or that there are no changes to the data this year.
Please see the login page and the user guide for full instructions on using the Data Reviewer.

The NPMS Submission Reviewer tool replaces checkplots, which allowed an operator to review a new submission before it becomes a permanent part of the NPMS dataset.
The operator will be notified by NPMS staff when they have a submission available for review in the Submission Reviewer application. The operator will be sent a
temporary username and password and the date on which the review period will expire. Both the current submission’s data and the previous submission’s data will be visible.
If there are issues with the current submission, the operator should contact NPMS staff. If the current submission is accurate, no action is needed.
Please see the login page and user guide for full instructions on using the Submission Reviewer.

2010/11

New Release of PIMMA and the Public Map Viewer

In September 2010, NPMS staff launched new versions of PIMMA and the NPMS Public Map Viewer.
These applications now contain improved background layers and query interfaces, and a more
user-friendly layout. Please consult the revised Help manual for more details. When logging
in to the new applications, please click the “Compatibility View” button if you are using Internet
Explorer 8. All users will need to maximize their browser window in order to view the map window
properly. If you experience issues with the new application, please consult the FAQ section of the
Help manual before contacting NPMS staff.

2010/06

Update to NPMS Operator Standards

A new version of the NPMS Operator Standards has been released. Section 2 General Requirements has been expanded to explain in more detail the types of pipelines
that are required to be included in NPMS submissions. The Standards manual can be found at
http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/Documents/Operator_Standards.pdf.

Due to changes in our email system, we are no longer able to accept NPMS zipfile submissions
to the npms@dot.gov email address.
Please submit all zipfiles via the NPMS Submission FTP Upload website page (https://phmhqnwas071.phmsa.dot.gov/npmsftp/).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the National Repository at npms@dot.gov or 703-317-6294.

2009/11

Aligning NPMS Submission Due Dates with Annual Report Due Dates

In 2009, operators were asked to align their NPMS submission due dates with Annual Report due dates
(March 15 for gas pipelines and June 15 for liquid pipelines), and to submit their data reflecting their assets on 12/31/08.
Aligning NPMS submissions with Annual Reports allows PHMSA to gather more accurate statistics about the nation’s pipeline system.
The majority of operators have followed this request. PHMSA urges operators to continue to follow this guidance in 2010 and beyond.
Of course, 2010 submissions should reflect assets as of 12/31/09. We urge operators to submit their data before the March 15/ June 15 deadlines if at all possible.

2009/11

Updates to the NPMS Operator Standards

The NPMS dataset is undergoing an internal conversion in order to simplify submission processing and to enable integration with other PHMSA datasets. Your submission format will not change, but two new codes have been introduced in the “Revision Code” (REVIS_CD) field. Please download the new metadata/attribute software
(https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/MetadataAttributeBuilder.aspx)
before making your next submission. These codes are pertinent to operators who are submitting newly constructed pipe segments or pipe segments which are new to PHMSA’s jurisdiction (for example, pipe segments whose pressure has been upgraded to the extent that the pipe is now under PHMSA’s jurisdiction). In summary, these codes must be used for pipe which has not been submitted to the NPMS before by any operator.
If you have bought an existing pipeline system that was already under PHMSA’s jurisdiction, you do not need to use these codes.
· Newly constructed pipe should be tagged with the revision code “C”· Pipe that is new to PHMSA’s jurisdiction should be tagged with the revision code ”J”
The commodity choices have also changed since the last release of the metadata/attribute software. Please see the NPMS standards manual (https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/Documents/Operator_Standards.pdf) for details on the commodity codes and the new revision codes.
If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact us at npms@dot.gov
or 703-317-6294.

2009/03

Hazardous Liquid Low Stress Lines Final Rule

On June 3, 2008, PHMSA published a final rule titled "Pipeline Safety:
Protecting Unusually Sensitive Areas from Rural Onshore Hazardous Liquid
Gathering Lines and Low-Stress Lines" which impacts hazardous liquid
NPMS submissions. As a result of this rule, hazardous liquid pipelines
that have a nominal diameter of greater than 8.625 inches and which
operate at 20% or less of SMYS are now part of PHMSA's jurisdiction.
Therefore, these lines must be included in hazardous liquid operators'
NPMS submissions. Gas operators are not affected by this rule. Please
contact Amy.Nelson@dot.gov
if you have further questions.

2008/12

New Release of NPMS Operator Standards

A new version of the NPMS Operator Standards has been released
(http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/Documents/Operator_Standards.pdf). This release
includes significant changes to the pipeline and LNG plant attributes (section 3) and
required metadata (section 6). Additionally, operators must include a transmittal letter
with their submission (section 2). Starting December 15, 2008, all NPMS submissions
must adhere to the new standards. The new version of the NPMS Operator Standards
also includes major changes to the optional break-out tanks (section 7). In addition to the
break-out tank-related attributes being updated, operators may now submit this data is
various GIS formats. If you have any questions regarding the updated NPMS Operator Standards
software, please contact NPMS National Repository staff at npms@dot.gov
or 703-317-6294.

2008/12

NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder Software

To assist operators with creating the metadata, pipeline attributes, and LNG plant attributes, the NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder software was developed.
This software replaces the NPMS Attribute Template software and the NPMS Metadata Template software but is similar to it in look and feel. The new version of the software is
much shorter than the old version and was designed to save you time. You will need to use this new version when making your next submission as NPMS staff will no
longer accept metadata/attributes prepared with previous versions of the software. You may download this new software from the NPMS website at
http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/MetadataAttributeBuilder.aspx Software. The NPMS Operator Standards contains details regarding software usage
and installation. If you have any questions regarding the new NPMS Metadata/Attribute Builder software, please contact NPMS National Repository staff at npms@dot.gov
or 703-317-6294.

2008/12

Submit Abandoned Lines Only Once

Once a pipeline is officially abandoned in the NPMS, please do not include the pipeline in future NPMS submissions. Please note that the abandoned lines will not appear in your PIMMA account or when you use the Update Your Submission Online tool.
If you are unsure of which lines are currently abandoned in the NPMS for your company, please contact the NPMS National Repository staff at npms@dot.gov or 703-317-6294.

2008/08

Changes to NPMS Submission

On July 31, 2008, an Advisory Bulletin was published in the Federal Register which describes voluntary changes to NPMS submissions. Specifically, operators are requested to align their NPMS submission date with their Annual Report date.
They are also requested to submit to the NPMS using the same Operator ID number (OPID) as used in their Annual Report to describe the pipeline assets.
View a PDF of the Advisory Bulletin

2008/08

Abandoned Pipeline Facilities

NPMS staff are conducting a review of abandoned pipelines that are offshore or that cross Commercially Navigable Waterways. Part 195.59 (for hazardous liquid operators) and Part 192.727 (for gas transmission operators) describe the special
documentation required when abandoning these lines. Operators have the option of reporting either to the NPMS or to PHMSA’s Information Resources Manager. An excerpt of the regulation appears below.

2008/08

Abandoned Pipeline Facilities

NPMS staff are conducting a review of abandoned pipelines that are offshore or that cross Commercially Navigable Waterways. Part 195.59 (for hazardous liquid operators) and Part 192.727 (for gas transmission operators) describe the special
documentation required when abandoning these lines. Operators have the option of reporting either to the NPMS or to PHMSA’s Information Resources Manager. An excerpt of the regulation appears below.

2008/08

Abandoned Pipeline Facilities

For each abandoned offshore pipeline facility or each abandoned onshore pipeline facility that crosses over, under or through a commercially navigable waterway, the last operator of that facility must file a report upon abandonment of that facility.

The preferred method to submit data on pipeline facilities abandoned after October 10, 2000 is to the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) in accordance with the NPMS “Standards for Pipeline and Liquefied Natural Gas Operator Submissions.”
To obtain a copy of the NPMS Standards, please refer to the NPMS homepage at http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov or contact the NPMS National Repository at 703-317-6294. A digital data format is preferred, but hard copy submissions are acceptable if they comply
with the NPMS Standards. In addition to the NPMS-required attributes, operators must submit the date of abandonment, diameter, method of abandonment, and certification that, to the best of the operator's knowledge, all of the reasonably available information
requested was provided and, to the best of the operator's knowledge, the abandonment was completed in accordance with applicable laws. Refer to the NPMS Standards for details in preparing your data for submission. The NPMS Standards also include details of how
to submit data.

Alternatively, operators may submit reports by mail, fax or e-mail to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, PHP-10, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; fax (202) 366-4566;
e-mail InformationResourcesManager@phmsa.dot.gov . The information in the report must contain all reasonably available information related to the facility, including information in the possession of a third party. The report must contain the location,
size, date, method of abandonment, and a certification that the facility has been abandoned in accordance with all applicable laws.

2008/08

NPMS Metadata/Attribute Software

The NPMS Metadata/Attribute software is being updated and is expected to be released within the next few months. The new software combines both metadata and attributes into one greatly simplified interface which requires much less time to complete
than the current interface. The NPMS National Repository will not accept metadata/attribute submissions with the old software when the new software is available.

2008/0

Breakout Tank Submission

Breakout Tank submissions are being expanded to include data in Esri shapefile and Microsoft Excel formats. The National Repository will begin accepting these formats by the end of the calendar year.

2007/04

NPMS Public Map Viewer

The Public Map Viewer was released to the public on April 2, 2007. This new application allows the general public to view maps of transmission pipelines, LNG facilities, and breakout tanks one selected county at a time.

2006/10

Checkplot Viewer

new tool for reviewing checkplots online was released in October 2006. The Checkplot Viewer is for operators to use in reviewing their pipeline and LNG data after it has been processed by National Repository staff.

2006/09

Commodity Query Added to PIMMA

new query option was added to the Pipeline Integrity Management Mapping Application (PIMMA) in August 2006. The new query allows users to query pipelines by commodity type.

2006/04

Contact Information Updated

The contact information for National Repository staff changed and was updated on the NPMS site and in the NPMS Operator Standards document in April 2006.

2005/05

Pipeline and USA Data Request Procedures

The National Repository will now be in charge of processing all NPMS data requests. This includes pipeline, breakout tank, LNG facilities, and USA data. All inquiries should be sent to npms@dot.gov.

2005/04

NPMS Website Rebuild

The NPMS website was rebuilt April 21, 2005.

2005/04

Esri Presentation

Members of the NPMS Mapping team will present a paper at the Esri Annual International User Conference in San Diego, Wednesday July 27, 2005 - 10:30am.

2005/02

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Created

The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) was recently reorganized. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) combined with the Office of Hazardous Materials to form the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The NPMS homepage was changed from http://www.npms.rspa.dot.gov to http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov.